Knickers for Africa campaign 'drawers' support from NZ - Video

Sadly, I have only just come across this discussion and therefore will find it hard to address some of the untruths spoken here. This collection began in 2007 when a priest in rural Zimbabwe [Lupane, St Lukes] requested bras. He claimed that they gave protection to young girls against sexual abuse as it meant that they would appear to be a woman of means. Never once did I claim that girls share underwear. I have visited the land of my birth every year since 2006. While there, I work with amazing women who, among other things, care for young girls who have been sexually abused. They are my heros who have sacrificed careers and fortune to do this. They are the ones who have distributed the underwear to those in need. I may be a white skinned Zimbabwean but I do what I do because I am inspired by the people I work with and the girls they care for. I ask no credit and I don't want to be a part of any ego boosting campaigns. Hot Milk came on board and sent over thousands of new bras and knickers. In September last year I had the priviledge of seeing them distributed in a squatter camp outside of Bulawayo. For those that criticize maybe they should search their hearts to see what they can do to help the people of Zimbabwe. Hot Milk gave generously. What are we as ex Zimbabweans doing to help those left behind to deal with inflation and a country that has been in melt down. In 2007 I saw 3 bras in the whole of Bulawayo at inflated prices. Maybe you should see the looks on the faces of the girls as they recieved a new bra and then tell me they were insulted.

Mabhurugwa ngaavhaye boys. Kana hama dzenyu dzinawo regai dzedu dzipfeke.

I suggest that before we start bludgeoning down Morag Roy and TV3 with respectively unfriendly and vitriolic letters we could maybe proffer a couple of constructive renovations with regard to what would be more appropriate and well received by the African community in general and Zimbabwean people in particular. I don’t think the philanthropic people who have already come forth actually believe Morag Roy’s lies but that they are seeing an organized effort to make a change and difference in the poor African girl-woman and they want to be part of. They are just willing to help, period.

Secondly we as Africans need to interrogate ourselves, and start to be ruthlessly frank with the truth about the poverty that’s apparent in Africa and make attempts at doing something about it. Disgusted and indignant, yes we might feel by the abysmally stupid, wishy washy and snooty conclusions offered by Morag Roy in her campaign for KNICKERS FOR AFRICA, but to immodestly hide behind a culture is being irresponsible and indifferent to the sufferings of others. Come on fellow Africans just think of all the poor girls out there who have never seen a bra, let alone worn one, do you want to deny them this chance? The poor African girl would be glad to have a rag to catch the blood in between their legs during that time of the month. I am just being honest here, no cultural offence intended. They are poor people who are going without these basics and all that we can say is no no no,I am an African its taboo to talk about. If you go and ask those poor women they will tell you bring some more please.

Finally, to those of you who are faithfully helping let me extend, my deepest gratitude and my most affectionate regards. Reach out some more into the knickers’ drawer and if you can afford to, top up your donations with tampons.